How do I file for unemployment with Washington ESD - need step by step help

You'll need to file online at esd.wa.gov. Have your social security card, driver's license, and employment info ready (dates worked, employer addresses, reason for separation). The sooner you file the better since there's a waiting week.

filed mine 2 weeks ago and still waiting... the system is so backed up right now

The initial application is pretty straightforward, but getting through to Washington ESD when you have questions is nearly impossible. I spent hours trying to call them last month. There's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Make sure you have ALL your employer information going back 18 months, not just your most recent job. Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter to calculate benefits, so they need the complete work history. Also write down the exact reason you were let go - they're very specific about separation reasons.

ugh the washington esd website crashed on me 3 times when i tried to file last week

also make sure you start filing weekly claims right away even if your initial claim isnt approved yet!!! i made that mistake

Here's the basic process: 1) File initial claim online 2) Wait for determination (can take 2-6 weeks) 3) File weekly claims every week 4) Complete work search activities 5) Report any work or income. The waiting week means you won't get paid for your first eligible week, but you still need to file that weekly claim.

One thing nobody tells you - if you worked in multiple states in the last 18 months, you might need to file in a different state. Washington ESD will tell you if that's the case, but it can delay everything.

the whole system is a nightmare honestly. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment and i did everything right

If you run into issues with your claim getting stuck in adjudication or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, definitely consider using Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it really works for getting through their phone system. Much better than spending entire days trying to call.

Pro tip: Screenshot everything during your application process. Save confirmation numbers, take photos of error messages, keep records of when you filed. If there are any issues later, you'll want that documentation.

honestly just start the application tonight if you can. even if you mess something up you can usually fix it later but the sooner you get in the system the better

Make sure you're using the official esd.wa.gov site, not some third party site that might charge you fees. The state application is free.

One more thing - if you were fired or quit, be very careful about how you describe the separation. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify, and any discrepancies can cause delays or disqualification. Be honest but don't volunteer information that hurts your case.

The hardest part is really just waiting. Once you file, there's not much you can do except file your weekly claims and wait for Washington ESD to process everything. Try not to stress too much about things you can't control.

I used Claimyr last month when my claim was taking forever and I needed to find out what was going on. Actually got connected to someone at Washington ESD within like 20 minutes instead of the usual busy signal runaround. Definitely recommend if you hit any roadblocks.

update us on how it goes! always curious to hear peoples experiences with the system

Remember that even after you're approved, payments can take a few days to show up in your account. Don't panic if you don't see the money immediately after filing your weekly claim. Washington ESD processes payments in batches.

good luck op! filing unemployment sucks but at least theres help available when you need it

Feel free to update the thread if you run into any issues. This community is pretty good about helping each other navigate the Washington ESD system, and there are tools like Claimyr if you need to actually reach someone at the agency.